May 31 - DNV GL and Oshima Shipbuilding have launched a new 65,000 dwt open-hatch general cargo carrier design that the joint developers say is intended for a wide range of project cargoes and packaged goods.
The design includes composite tween decks, which the two companies say will maximise space utilisation and save weight.
"We believe this new ship design delivers an excellent combination of characteristics to meet the varying requirements of the open-hatch general cargo segment. Several new technologies for general cargo carriers have been implemented, such as composite tween decks, a PTO/PTI shaft generator and batteries. This results in a design that offers shorter port handling times, reduced maintenance costs and a simple, cost-effective manufacturing process," says Sho Minami, ceo of Oshima Shipbuilding. Co.
"This innovative, open-hatch general cargo carrier design is a good example of how cooperation between industry partners can benefit the maritime industry. Oshima has made a name for itself in developing open-hatch carrier designs, and we are very pleased that we were chosen as a partner in this undertaking," says Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, ceo DNV GL - Maritime.
"The jointly developed tween deck demonstrates how composite materials can save weight and bring additional benefits, without compromising on safety. DNV GL and Oshima have worked together to research the use of low-weight composite material for bulk carriers and general cargo carriers for many years, and I am pleased to see that this concept has now reached a level where it can be integrated into this ready-to-order 65k design," he adds.
The new design features a high cubic and deadweight capacity at a shallow draught, enabled by an increased breadth without compromising performance. This allows the ship to enter a large number of ports. It has eight box-shaped cargo holds with full-width hatch openings, including two long holds for larger project cargoes. One of the design's most prominent features is the use of tween decks to maximise the vessel concept's space utilisation.
Jointly developed by Oshima, DNV GL, CompOcean and IKNOW Machinery, the tween decks are made of composite material, which also makes them 50 percent lighter than steel versions, without sacrificing any of the functionality, service or safety, claims the two companies.
In addition, the design boasts battery assisted crane operations, a propulsion arrangement with a PTO/PTI shaft generator and the possibility to select different fuel and technology options to meet current and future emissions regulations.
The ship design has a length of 210 m; breadth of 35 m and a maximum draught of 13.1 m, with a capacity of 77,000 cu m.
This tween deck solution was also awarded an Approval in Principle (AiP) by DNV GL. The AiP was presented to Sho Minami, ceo of Oshima Shipbuilding by Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, ceo DNV GL - Maritime as can be seen below.
